Tens of thousands packed Amsterdam's central square waiting for this - the moment Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands handed the throne to her eldest son, Willem-Alexander.

"Dear mother, today you resigned from your reign, 33 moving and inspiring years for which we are deeply grateful," said the new King, thanking his mother for her service.

After the announcement, the crowd joined the royal family to sing their national anthem and celebrate the queen's retirement.

Royal supporters were all too happy to flood the streets on the holiday the Dutch mark as Queen's day.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) CHARLOTTE AARIYIE SAYING:

"Oh I will miss Beatrix very much, because I grew up with Beatrix as a Queen, as my Queen, so yes I will miss her very much."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ARNO BERG SAYING:

"I am so happy, I'm happy I am from Dannenburg in Germany and I know the history a bit, I learned it when I was in the school, a little boy, and this is the first chance to s